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Education Minister Raises Worry Over Extended CETAG Strike

Date of Report: December 19, 2025 | Category: Education / Labor Relations

Introduction

The tertiary education sector in Ghana is currently facing a significant disruption as the strike action by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association (CETAG) continues. The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has publicly expressed deep concern regarding the prolonged industrial action, highlighting its potential to derail the academic and career trajectories of thousands of students. This situation underscores the delicate balance required in managing labor relations in the education sector while ensuring the continuity of learning. As the strike extends, the Ministry is under increasing pressure to resolve the impasse through dialogue and financial negotiation.

Speaking at a ceremony in Accra to distribute vehicles to selected Colleges of Education, Minister Iddrisu addressed the pressing issue. He acknowledged the validity of the teachers’ grievances but emphasized the urgent need to return to the negotiating table to prevent long-term damage to the educational calendar. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the strike, the government’s response, and the broader implications for the Ghanaian tertiary education landscape.

Key Points

Background

To understand the current crisis, it is essential to look at the timeline of events leading up to the strike. The Colleges of Education Teachers Association (CETAG) officially declared a strike on Monday, November 24. This action was not sudden but the result of prolonged negotiations regarding the working conditions of tutors in public colleges of education.

The 2023 Conditions of Service

At the heart of the dispute is the 2023 Conditions of Service. This document outlines the salary structures, allowances, and other benefits that CETAG members are entitled to. Despite agreements being reached in principle, the full implementation has been stalled, leading to frustration among the teaching staff.

The National Labour Commission Arbitral Award

Compounding the issue of the Conditions of Service is the delay in acting on an arbitral award issued by the National Labour Commission (NLC) on May 2, 2024. Arbitral awards are legally binding resolutions intended to settle industrial disputes. The failure to enforce this award by the specified deadlines has forced CETAG to escalate their protest from warnings to a full-blown strike, bringing academic activities to a standstill.

Analysis

The current standoff represents a critical test for the government’s ability to manage public sector industrial disputes. Minister Haruna Iddrisu’s intervention highlights a dual approach: acknowledging the financial and administrative constraints while attempting to reassure the public and the academic community of the government’s commitment.

The Economic Impact of Prolonged Strikes

Minister Iddrisu’s warning about “career planning” is significant. When colleges close indefinitely, the academic calendar is disrupted. This often leads to a backlog of examinations, delayed graduation, and a shift in the intake of fresh students. For the trainee teachers, this delay extends their time in college, potentially increasing their financial burden and delaying their entry into the workforce.

Government’s Financial Mobilization

The Minister disclosed that discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Finance, specifically mentioning a conversation with Finance Minister Ato Forson. The government is currently “mobilising the 41 million” (GHS 41 million) to pay the outstanding monies. This figure is crucial as it represents the specific financial gap that needs to be bridged to satisfy CETAG’s demands. The emphasis on “mobilising” suggests that while the funds are committed, the liquidity to disburse them is currently being arranged.

Political Context and Allowances

The minister also took the opportunity to highlight recent successes in paying other teacher allowances, crediting the President Mahama administration. By noting that “two outstanding allowances” have been settled, the Ministry is attempting to build confidence that the CETAG issue will similarly be resolved. This is a strategic move to manage public perception and show that the government is not indifferent to the plight of educators.

Practical Advice

For students, teachers, and administrators navigating this period of uncertainty, the following practical steps are recommended:

For CETAG Members

• Document Communication: Keep detailed records of all communications regarding the arbitral award and the Conditions of Service.
• Stay Informed: Rely on official CETAG communications to understand the status of negotiations and avoid rumors.
• Professional Conduct: While on strike, maintain professional boundaries and avoid actions that could complicate future negotiations.

For Students (Trainee Teachers)

• Academic Preparation: Use the downtime to review previous notes and prepare for exams whenever academic activities resume.
• Stay Updated: Monitor official college portals for updates on reopening dates.
• Financial Planning: Adjust personal budgets to account for the potential extension of the academic year.

For Administrators

• Maintenance of Assets: As highlighted by the Minister regarding the new vehicles, ensure that all institutional assets are well-maintained during the closure.
• Crisis Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with students to reduce anxiety and misinformation.

FAQ

Conclusion

The extended CETAG strike presents a complex challenge that requires urgent financial resolution and diplomatic negotiation. While the distribution of vehicles indicates a continued investment in the infrastructure of Colleges of Education, the core issue of teacher welfare remains the priority. Minister Haruna Iddrisu’s assurance that funds are being mobilized offers a glimmer of hope, but the speed at which these funds are released will determine the timeline for reopening the colleges. Ultimately, achieving industrial harmony is essential not only for the stability of the education sector but for the future career success of the students involved.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily – Original News Report (December 19, 2025)
• Ministry of Education, Ghana – Press Statements
• National Labour Commission – Arbitral Award Records
• Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) – Public Announcements